The Value of Telemedicine
Telemedicine has become a transformative advancement in healthcare, offering Health and Welfare plans an efficient, cost-effective solution that increases access to care while reducing overall healthcare costs.
By allowing members to consult with healthcare providers via video calls, phone consultations, and online messaging, telemedicine eliminates the need for in-person visits, lowering both out-of-pocket expenses for employees and administrative costs for plans. It also enables members in remote areas or with limited mobility to receive timely care, enhancing workforce productivity and reducing absenteeism. For those with chronic conditions, virtual check-ins help manage treatment plans, preventing complications and reducing long-term healthcare costs. With telemedicine integrated into benefits packages, employers demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being, improving job satisfaction and retention. Zenith, through partnerships with MD Live and Teladoc, helps Health and Welfare plans deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that are accessible, convenient, and affordable for all members.
2025 ACA Updates: Guidance Issued on Gag Clause Prohibitions and QPA Calculations
On January 14, 2025, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury released ACA FAQs Part 69, in which they provided guidance on the Gag Clause Prohibition and attestation compliance, extended enforcement relief on qualifying payment amount (“QPA”) calculation requirements until August 2025 and provided clarification on complying with QPA methodology rules under the No Surprises Act.
Update: Improving Customer Service with New Telephony System
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new telephony system in Q4 2024. This upgrade will enhance call quality, speed, and efficiency, improving the experience for you and your participants. No action is required on your part to enjoy these benefits. We're committed to delivering exceptional service, and this update will elevate your experience to the next level.
Case Study: Launching a First of Its Kind Retirement Fund
In 2024, Zenith American Solutions partnered with the Board of Trustees of Child Care United (“CCPU”) of California to create a first-of-its-kind Retirement Fund for California's home-based child care providers. This achievement follows successful negotiations by SEIU Local 521, SEIU Local 99 and United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, securing $80 million in annual funding through the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The Unions will design and administer the Plan, providing essential financial support to these vital workers.
Zenith's Anniversary Celebration Following the IFEBP 2024 Conference in San Diego
Relive the unforgettable "Piano and Pinot" 80th Anniversary Party, a memorable evening hosted by Zenith American Solutions and sponsored by partners Zelis and Intellivo.
This recap captures the highlights of a remarkable event filled with music, wine, and celebration, marking a milestone in style and elegance.
Important Updates on HIPAA Compliance
The Department of Labor (DOL) has updated cybersecurity guidance requiring health plans to actively monitor vendor compliance with cybersecurity standards, beyond just relying on signed contracts. Privacy and Security Officers must ensure that vendors handling Protected Health Information (PHI) comply with HIPAA and DOL guidelines, including having Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) in place and conducting vendor assessments. They must also manage incidents and breaches, ensuring proper notifications to affected members and authorities.
Simplify Contributions Management with Employer Edge™ and MyEmployer Edge
Looking to streamline your contribution reporting and payment processes? Discover how Employer Edge™ by Zenith American Solutions and MyEmployer Edge can revolutionize your approach. These secure online platforms are designed to simplify contribution reporting, manage remittance information, and monitor employee data in real-time. Learn how these tools can enhance efficiency and accuracy in your financial operations.
Highlighting Ben Halmers, VP of Retirement Benefits & Advancements to Pension Application Capabilities and More
Are your participants prepared for online pension applications? Ben Halmers, Zenith’s VP of Retirement Benefit Plan Operations, is revolutionizing the retirement journey with innovative online features. Discover how our newly enhanced integrated portals are transforming the experience for Pension Plan participants, and why you won’t want to miss out on these exciting updates.
Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence: A Legacy of Trustworthiness and Expertise
As Zenith American Solutionc celebrates 80 years in the benefit administration industry, we examine how strategic mergers and acquisitions have fueled our growth. This article explores how these strategic moves have allowed us to enhance our services and maintain our role as a top provider of third-party benefit plans for Union groups.
Further Enhancements to Your Security: Two-Factor Authentication Update
In today's digital era, safeguarding your personal and financial details is more crucial than ever. Zenith American Solutions has taken a proactive step to enhance your online security by introducing two-factor authentication (2FA) to our client portals. But what exactly is 2FA, and why is it so vital? This article dives into the specifics of 2FA, informing you how this added layer of security functions to safeguard your confidential information from unauthorized access, and how to enable it on your account.
Successfully Audited: SOC1 and SOC2 Update
Zenith American Solutions (Zenith) is proud to announce the successful completion of both the AICPA SOC1, Type 2, and SOC2, Type 2 audits. The completion of this rigorous assessment underscores our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of security and operational excellence.
Unlocking the Benefits: The Power of Your Member ID Card
Unleash the full potential of your union health and welfare plan benefits, and access your Zenith team through your member ID card. Your ID card is a comprehensive resource providing specific information, including the specific phone number for you to reach your Zenith Customer Care team.
Unlocking Your Benefits: Consumer-Driven Health Plans Simplified
To ease out-of-pocket costs and improve your overall well-being, it’s recommended that you utilize the consumer driven health plans (CDHPs) offered by your employer for eligible health expenses. With the help of online and mobile tools, you can manage your available funds and maximize your overall savings.
IRS Indexed Limits for 2024
Review the IRS indexed dollar limits to qualified retirement plans for 2024.
Simplifying Benefit Plans and Empowering Union Members: The Role of a Taft-Hartley Third Party Administrator
In today's landscape of benefit plans and administrative complexities, Taft-Hartley Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) have emerged as trusted partners, providing invaluable services to Trustees, employers, plan participants, and their families. In this article, we explore the core values of TPAs and dive into the wide range of tasks they perform, highlighting their central role in simplifying administration, ensuring compliance, and optimizing benefits.
Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month with tips from our Cybersecurity Team.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. In this digital age, advanced protection of sensitive personal data is pivotal. Thankfully, there are preventative measures we can take to fend off potential cybersecurity attacks.
Secure Act 2.0 Changes Impacting Qualified Retirement Plans
SECURE 2.0 was signed into Law in December 2022. There’s a lot to unpack in it. This article is a Zenith American Solutions summary of some of what we feel are key changes. The Act includes a substantial number of changes and options for Trustees and other Plan Sponsors to review and consider.
Final Regulations on Special Financial Assistance for Underfunded Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plans Released
On July 8, 2022, the PBGC released the final regulations for plans applying for Special Financial Assistance under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
